Sink and drain line cleaning apparatus

ABSTRACT

A SINK AND DRAIN LINE CLEANING APPARATUS WHERE A CLEANING CABLE IS STORED IN THE ANNULAR SPACE BETWEEN AN INNER AND OUTER DRUM. THE OUTER DRUM IS ROTATABLY DRIVEN AND THE GREATER PORTION OF THE INNER DRUM IS INTEGRAL WITH OR RIGIDLY SECURED TO THE OUTER DRUM FOR ROTATION SIMULTANEOUSLY THEREWITH. A SMALL SEGMENT OF THE INNER DRUM IS INDEPENDENT OF THE GREATER PORTION THEREOF AND IS FREE WHEELING OR INDEPENDENTLY ROTATABLE WITH RESPECT THERETO. THE CABLE IS WOUND AROUND THE INNER DRUM WITH ONE END THEREOF BEING SECURED TO THE DRIVEN PORTION OF THE DRUM AND THE OPPOSITE OR FREE END THEREOF EXTENDING AXIALLY OUTWARD FROM THE ANNULAR SPACE FOR INSERTION WITHIN THE LINE BEING CLEANED THEREBY. A SUITABLE CUTTING TOOL IS SECURED TO THE FREE END OF THE CABLE AND ROTATION OF THE OUTER DRUM AND INTEGRAL PORTION OF THE INNER DRUM CAUSES THE CABLE TO ROTATE ABOUT ITS AXIS IN A TWISTING MOTION WHEREBY THE CUTTING TOOL CUTS OR OTHERWISE RELEASES ANY   OBSTRUCTION WITHIN THE LINE. THE ANNULAR CHAMBER HOUSING THE WOUND CABLE IS PARTICULARLY DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED FOR SUBSTANTIALLY PRECLUDING KINKING OF THE CABLE UPON THE SUDDEN RELEASE OF TENSION THEREIN WHEN AN OBSTACLE IN THE LINE IS CUT LOOSE. IN ADDITION, THE INNER DRUM STRUCTURE GREATLY REDUCES FRICTION ON THE CABLE DURING A CLEANING OPERATION, THUS REDUCING WEAR ON THE CABLE AND PROLONGING THE USEFUL LIFE THEREOF.

Sept. 20, 1971 F. RUSSELL 3,605,158

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ATTORNEY Sept. 20,1971 F. nusssu. 3,605,158

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ATTORNE Y United States Patent lfice 3,6 fl5,l58 Patented Sept. 20, 1971 3,605,158 SINK AND DRAIN LlNE CLEANING APPARATUS Ira F. Russell, 3333 E. Pine St., Tulsa, Okla. 74115 Filed Dec. 30, 1968, Ser. No. 787,868 Int. Cl. B081) 9/02 U.S. Cl. 15-104.3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A sink and drain line cleaning apparatus wherein a cleaning cable is stored in the annular space between an inner and outer drum. The outer drum is rotatably driven and the greater portion of the inner drum is integral with or rigidly secured to the outer drum for rotation simultaneously therewith. A small segment of the inner drum is independent of the greater portion thereof and is free wheeling or independently rotatable with respect thereto. The cable is wound around the inner drum with one end thereof being secured to the driven portion of the drum and the opposite or free end thereof extending axially outward from the annular space for insertion within the line being cleaned thereby. A suitable cutting tool is secured to the free end of the cable and rotation of the outer drum and integral portion of the inner drum causes the cable to rotate about its axis in a twisting motion whereby the cutting tool cuts or otherwise releases any obstruction within the line. The annular chamber housing the wound cable is particularly designed and constructed for substantially precluding kinking of the cable upon the sudden release of tension therein when an obstacle in the line is cut loose. In addition, the inner drum structure greatly reduces friction on the cable during a cleaning operation, thus reducing wear on the cable and prolonging the useful life thereof.

This invention relates to improvements in sink and drain line cleaning apparatus and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a sink and drain line cleaning apparatus designed and constructed for substantially eliminating accidental kinking of the cable and greatly reducing wear on the cable during a cleaning operation.

Cable type cleaning machines for clearing drain lines or sewer lines are in widespread use today, and many of these machines provide an annular chamber for storage of the cable and housing the cable during a cleaning operation, such as shown in the J. F. OBrien Pat. No. 2,730,- 740, issued Ian. 17, 1956, and entitled Sewer Cleaning Machines. These machines normally comprise an outer drum rotatably driven by a motor, or the like, and an independent freely rotatable inner drum. The cable is usually wound around the inner drum, with one end of the cable being anchored to the outer drum, and the free end thereof extending axially outward from the annular chamber for insertion A suitable cutting tool is normally carried by the free end of the cable, and rotation of the outer drum rotates the cable about its axis in a twisting motion for cutting or clearing away any obstacle disposed within the drain line. The cable Within the annular chamber inherently winds very tightly around the outer periphery of the inner drum during a cleaning operation, which creates a great amount of friction between the inner drum and cable, thus causing undue wear on the cable. in addition, these machines are normally provided with a cable distribution member which received the twisting, moving cable therethrough and directs the cable out of the annular chamber. The twisting, longitudinal movement of the cable through the distribution member creates adinto the line to be cleaned.

ditional friction on the cable, and reduces the overall efficiency of the drain line cleaning operation.

The present invention contemplates a novel sink and drain cleaning machine particularly designed and constructed for overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages. The novel cleaning machine comprises a rotatable drive outer drum having an inner drum integral therewith or rigidly secured thereto for rotation simultaneously therewith. The cable is wound in the annular space between the two drums, with one end of the cable being rigidly anchored thereto, and the opposite end thereof being free for extending axially outward from the chamber. A relatively small cylindrical segment having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the inner drum is disposed in axial alignment with the inner drum, and is free wheeling with respect thereto. The cylindrical segment is provided with an arcuate channel extending therethro-ugh for directing the free end of the cable substantially axially outward from the annular chamber and into a relatively large open area wherein the frictional contact of the cable with the machine is reduced to a minimum as the cable is directed out of the machine in order to permit insertion of the free end thereof into the drain line to be cleared or cleaned.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a novel sink and drain line cleaning apparatus particularly designed and constructed for substantially precluding accidental kinking of the cable during a drain line cleaning operation.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel sink and drain line cleaning apparatus wherein frictional engagement between the cleaning cable and the machine is reduced to a minimum for prolonging the useful life of the cable.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel sink and drain line cleaning machine which is simple and efiicient in operation and economical and durable in construction.

Other and further objects and advantageous features of the present invention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with a detailed description of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a sink and drain line cleaning apparatus embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a sink and drain line apparatus embodying the invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional elevational view of a sink and drain line cleaning apparatus embodying the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character 10 generally indicates a drain line cleaning apparatus comprising an outer sleeve or drum r12 having a central opening 14 at one end thereof and an annular inwardly directed flange 16 at the opposite end thereof. An inner sleeve or drum 18 is concentrically disposed within the outer drum 12 and is either integral with the flange 16 as shown in FIG. 3 or may be rigidly secured thereto in any well known manner (not shown). A centrally disposed tube member 20 is concentrically arranged within the inner drum 1 8 and is secured to the flange 16 in any suitable manner, such as by a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending arm members 22 and interconnecting web members 24. The outer drum 12, flange 16, inner drum 18, arms 22 and webs 24 are preferably constructed in a single metallic casting, but the construction is not limited thereto.

The inner drum 18 extends axially inwardly within the outer 'clrum 12, and preferably extends beyond the inner end 26 of the tube 20'. The tube 20 extends axially outward from the plane of the flange 16 for receiving a support rod 28 therethrough. The support rod 28 extends axially through the tube 20 and the outer end 30 thereof is secured to a suitable support frame generally indicated at 32 in any well known manner. As shown herein, the end extends through a bushing 34 disposed within a support block 36 which is secured to the frame 32 by a plurality of spaced screw members 38. A locking collar 40 is secured to the rod end 30 by a suitable set screw 42, or the like, for retaining the block 36 in position on the rod 2 8 and adjacent the outer end of the tube 20.

A cylindrical segment 44 of an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the inner drum 18 is disposed in substantial axial alignment therewith. The inner drum 18 and segment 44 cooperate with the outer drum 12 to provide an annular chamber 45 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. One end of the segment 44 is closed by an annular flange 46 which is disposed within the opening 14 of the outer drum 12, as clearly shown in FIG. 3. The outer diameter of the flange 46 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening 14 to preclude interference therebetween during operation of the device 10, as will be hereinafter set forth,

A central tube 48 is concentrically disposed within the segment 44 and may be either integral with the flange 46 as shown in FIG. 3, or may be rigidly secured thereto in any well known manner (not shown). The tube 48 is preferably of a size complementary to or corresponding with the size of the tube 20 and extends inwardly through the segment 44 and therebeyond into the proximity of the end 26 of the tube 20. The tube 48 receives the rod 28 therethrough for supporting the segment 44 within the outer drum 12. A stop plate 50 is secured on the inward end 52 of the rod 20 and bears against the flange 46 to cooperate with the support block 36 and collar 40 for securing the rod 28 within the aligned tubes 20 and 48. It is preferable to provide a slight clearance between the adjacent ends of the tubes 20 and 48, as well as between the adjacent ends of the segment 44 and inner drum 18 to preclude interference therebetween during use of the device 10, as will be hereinafter set forth.

An arcuate channel or passageway 54 is provided in the segment 44 to provide a cable receiving passageway. One end 56 of the passageway 54 is open to the interior of the chamber 45, and the opposite end 58 thereof is open to the outer surface of the flange or plate 46, thus providing open communication from the chamber 45 t0 the exterior of the flange 46.

A substantially cone-shaped member 60 is removably secured adjacent the outer surface of the flange 46 in any suitable manner, such as by a plurality of circumferentially spaced bolts 62, or the like, and is provided with an interior chamber 63 surrounding the open end 58 of the passageway 54. The cone member 60 terminates in a sleeve member 64 having a central bore 66 extending longitudinally therethrough. The bore 66 is preferably of a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the passageway 54 and is disposed in substantial axial alignment with the tubes 20 and 48 as clearly shown in FIG. 3. An annular shoulder 68 is provided on the outer periphery of the sleeve 64 for receiving a suitable bearing member 70 thereagainst. The bearing 70 is retained in position around the sleeve 64 by a clamping or locking collar 72 which is secured to the sleeve by a set screw 74, or the like. The bearing member 70 is secured to the support frame 32 in any well known manner, such as by a clamp bracket 76 which extends around the bearing 70 and is bolted or otherwise secured to the frame 32.

A drain cleaning cable 78 of any suitable or well known type is disposed within the chamber 45, and is wound therein in a plurality of convolutions, as shown in FIG. 3. One end 80 of the cable 78 is a free end and extends outwardly from the chamber 45 through the passageway 54, through the chamber 63, and through the sleeve 64. A suitable cutting or cleaning tool (not shown) may be secured to the free end 80 of the cable 73, and the opposite end of the cable (not shown) is anchored to the flange 16, or to the outer drum 12, in the usual manner (not shown). In the normal storage position for the cable, such as during times when the device 10 is not in use, the winds or convolutions of the cable will be disposed in the proximity of the outer periphery of the chamber 45, as shown in FIG. 3. During use of the device, however, the innermost layers or winds of the cable 78 tends to tighten around the outer periphery of the inner drum 18, as will be hereinafter set forth. In addition, the last full wind of the cable 78 in the chamber 45 sometimes rubs against the cable portion coming into the chamber 45 through the open end 56 of the passageway 54 during a cable rewinding operation. Accordingly, a radially extending rib or flange 82 is provided on the outer periphery of the segment 44 in the proximity of the open end 56. The rib 82 extends circumferentially around a portion of the outer periphery of the segment 44 and is preferably approximately one inch in height adjacent this open end 56 and tapers to nothing around the periphery of the segment 44. The rib 82 precludes contact between the last wind of the cable in the chamber 45 and the cable portion disposed in the open end 56 of the passageway 54.

The frame 32 may be of any suitable construction, and as shown herein comprises a pair of substantially elongated U-shaped legs 82 and 84 spaced apart by a plurality of cross members or straps 86. The legs 82 and 84 are spaced apart a suflicient distance for spanning the apparatus l0, and for receiving the support block 36 and clamp strap member 76, respectively, as particularly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A motor 88 is mounted on the frame 32 in any suitable well known manner, and is provided with a drive pulley 90 rotatable thereby. An endless belt 92 is disposed around the outer periphery of the outer drum 12 and the pulley 90 for transmitting rotation to the drum 12 upon rotation of the pulley 90. It will be apparent that rotation of the drum 12 will cause the cable 78 to begin to move in a twisting manner due to the connection of one end of the cable with the drum 12. The cable may be moved in a combined longitudinal and twisting movement, as is well known in this type of device.

In operation, the cable 78 is normally wound in the annular space 45 between the outer drum 12 and inner drum 18, as shown in FIG. 3 and as hereinbefore set forth, with the free end 80 thereof extending axially outward through the sleeve 64. The cable 78 is directed to the sleeve 64 through the arcuate passageway 54 and chamber 63. When the motor 88 is actuated, the belt 92 transmits rotation from the pulley 98 to the outer drum 12, as is well known. The flange 16, inner drum 18, and tube 20 rotate simultaneously with the outer drum 12. Since one end of the cable 78 is anchored to the rotatable portion, the convolutions of the cable within the chamber 45 begin to tighten or close in around the outer periphery of the inner drum 18, when the free end 80' engages a block in the drain. The free end 80, having the usual cutting tool (not shown) is inserted in the drain line (not shown), or the like, to be cleaned or cleared of an obstacle. The cable moving from the sleeve 64 in the usual manner in this type apparatus moves in a combined longitudinal and twisting motion which moves the cutting tool through the line in a rotational movement for cleaning and clearing of the line. Of course, the entire length of the cable stored within the chamber 45 may be played out during a cleaning operation, and the chamber 45 is sufficiently large as to hold a relatively long length of cable for providing an efficient cleaning operation.

When the obstacle which has been blocking the drain line is cut through or released from the line, it will be apparent that tension in the cable 78 will be greatly lessened. The loosening of the obstacle often occurs quickly or rapidly, and the rapid release of the tension in the cable frequently causes the tightened convolutions of cable within the chamber 45 to spring outwardly into looser winds or convolutions. This action can cause kinking of the cable which is damaging thereto. However, the annular chamber 45 retains the cable 78 against any completely free relaxing of the convolutions, and maintains the cable in a wound condition within the drum 12 for precluding kinking of the cable.

The clearance between the flange 46 and aperture 14 and between the tubes 20 and 48 permit rotation of the drums 12 and 18 independent from rotation of the segment 44. In addition, it is to be noted that the clearance between the flange 46 and aperture 14 and between the tubes 20 and 48 is of a size less than the diameter of the cable 78 to preclude any accidental loss or catching of the cable at these areas. The segment 44 is free wheeling, and the cable portion extending through the channel or passageway 54 transmits somewhat erratic rotation to the segment as the cable is moving through the drain line. Since the inner feeding drum 18 is constantly rotating with the portion of the cable 78 which tends to wind tightly therearound during a cleaning operation, there is little or substantially no friction between the drum 1'8 and cable 78, thus reducing wear on the cable and greatly prolonging the useful life thereof. Furthermore, the cable portion extending between the passageway 54 and the sleeve 64 is freely disposed within the chamber 63, thus further reducing friction on the cable 78 and reducing wear for prolonging the life of the cable.

Of course, the bearing member 70 rotatably supports the sleeve 64 on the frame 32, and the shaft 28 rotatably supports the tubes 20 and 48 with the support block 36 securing the rod 28 to the frame 32.

When the cleaning operation has been completed, the cable 78 may be rewound within the chamber 45 in any well known manner. As hereinbefore set forth, the rib or flange 82 precludes contact between the cable portion at the open end 56 of the passageway 54 and the last wind of the cable within the chamber 45 during both the unwinding and rewinding of the cable, thus precluding or reducing rubbing of the cable against itself for further reducing wear on the cable.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present invention provides a novel sink and drain line cleaning machine wherein a relatively long section of cleaning cable may be stored within an annular chamber during perods of non-use and unwound from the chamber during a cleaning operation in a manner whereby damaging kinking of the cable is substantially eliminated. The novel drain cleaning machine is particularly designed and constructed with an outer and inner drum of an integral or rigidly connected structure in combination with a free wheeling cylindrical segment for reducing wear on the cable during a drain cleaning operation. In addition, the

cable is directed from the annular storage chamber into the drain line through an open chamber whereby wear on the cable is further reduced, thus providing more eflicient results and a prolonged useful life for the cable.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A drain line cleaning machine comprising a rotatable outer drum, an inner drum concentrically disposed within the outer drum to provide an annular chamber therebe tween, means disposed between the inner and outer drums for closing one end of the annular chamber and transmitting rotation from the outer drum to the inner drum, means supporting the inner and outer drums for rotation, a cylindrical segment disposed within the outer drum and in substantial axial alignment with the inner drum, means supporting the segment for independent rotation with respect to the inner and outer drums, means provided on the segment for substantially closing the opposite end of the annular chamber, cable means disposed within the annular chamber and wound around the inner drum with one end of the cable being anchored for movement simultaneously with the outer drum and the opposite end thereof being free, said segment being provided with channel means for receiving the free end of the cable therethrough, and sleeve means secured to the segment for receiving the free end of the cable from the channel means for directing the cable outwardly from the annular chamber and directing the cable into the annular chamber during rotation of the outer and inner drums, and wherein the means for supporting the inner and outer drums for rotation comprises a tube member concentrically disposed within the inner drum and rigidly connected therewith, and a shaft member extending longitudinally through said tube for support thereof.

2. -A drain line cleaning machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for supporting the segment comprises a tube member concentrically disposed therein and rigidly secured thereto for receiving said shaft member therethrough.

3. A drain line cleaning machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein the outer diameter of the cylindrical segment is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the inner drum.

4. A drain line cleaning machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein the sleeve means comprises a substantially coneshaped housing removably secured to the segment to provide an open chamber, a tube member having one end open to the chamber and the opposite end open to the exterior thereof for receiving the free end of the cable therethrough, said chamber freely receiving said cable extending between the tube and the channel means for reducing friction on the cable.

5. A drain line cleaning machine comprising integral inner and outer drums disposed in concentrical relationship to provide an annular chamber therebet-ween having one closed end and one open end, a first support tube concentrically disposed within the inner drum and rigidly secured thereto, support shaft means extending through the support tube for rotatably supporting the inner and outer drums, an independent cylindrical segment disposed within the outer drum in substantial alignment with the inner drum and having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the inner drum, a second support tube concentrically disposed within the cylindrical segment and disposed in substantial axial alignment with the first support tube for receiving the support shaft therein to rotatably support the cylindrical segment, outwardly extending circumferential flange means provided on the cylindrical segment for substantially closing the open end of the annular chamber, arcuate channel means provided in the cylindrical segment to provide communication from the interior of the annular chamber to the exterior thereof, a substantially conical housing removably secured to the flange member to provide an open chamber in communication with the channel means, a sleeve member provided on said conical housing to provide communication from the open chamber to the exterior thereof, cable means disposed within the annular chamber and wound in a plurality of convolutions between the inner and outer drums, one end of said cable being secured to the inner and outer drum and the opposite end thereof being free, said free end of the cable extending through the channel means and the open chamber and through the sleeve to the exterior of the open chamber, and power means operably connected with the outer drum for transmitting rotation thereto.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,267,493 12/1941 Clotz 15-104.3(8n) 2,468,490 4/ 1949 Di Joseph 15-104.3 (8n) 2,685,097 8/ 1954 Allen 15-1043 (8n) 2,730,740 1/1956 OBrien 15104.3 (8n) 2,926,372 3/1960 OBrien 15-104.3(8n) EDWARD L. ROBERTS, Primary Examiner 

